The B Action Movie Thread - Page 1702

Just finished up YEAR OF THE DRAGON. (kind of did an Oliver Stone double feature tonite) Pretty awesome flick. Top 5 Mickey Rourke for me, for sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moltisanti 

Well here's a fine fireplace poker to the abdomen:

 

 

 

Things like this shouldn't bug me. Yet they do.

STILL AWESOME!

I watched Flesh and Blood this evening, Paul Verhoeven's lusty, blood soaked medieval romp. I didn't expect Bruno Kirby to show up but there he was, in Europe with a clear New York accent, this film also has Susan Tyrell, who resembles a deranged Jane Curtin (none of the female characters are particularly sympathetic, I was glad to see her die towards the end). Jennifer Jason Leigh is clearly game for it as she spends half the movie naked and making lusty advances towards Rutger Hauer (her gangrape scene is something only Verhoeven could've conceived). It's an interesting film in Verhoeven's canon as he's clearly priming himself for Hollywood, he even has Basil Poledouris onboard and the crazy dutch bastard just goes wild with the sex and violence in this film.

Drew reviews SAVAGES.

http://www.hitfix.com/motion-captured/review-oliver-stone-turns-aaron-johnson-taylor-kitsch-and-blake-lively-into-savages

Watched a great one last night.  John Sayles' LONE STAR (1996).  Small Town Noir with a real sense of character, it's a genre picture that is enlivened with a real sense of place that features some damn fine performances from Chris Cooper, Joe Morton, Elizabeth Pena, Kris Kristofferson and Clifton James.  It only slightly falters in the last act when it gets down to the who-what-and-why of the central plotline -- but the film is so compelling otherwise it's easy to forgive. I've always been curious about the film, only having just seen it for the first time in preparation for writing my own sort of Small Town Noir screenplay (vacation week starts tomorrow!) and I'm very glad that I did.  John Sayles, man.  That guy can write.  Highly recommended for those who like CITY OF HOPE, TOUCH OF EVIL, ONE FALSE MOVE, FLESH AND BONE and NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN.  And it's viewable, for free and in its entrety, on YouTube.  :)

I finally got to see 21 Jump Street last night. It was just as good as you guys said it was. I didn't have the hate-on for Channing Tatum that most of you had or have, but I will admit that between 21 Jump Street and Haywire, he's winning me over.

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Originally Posted by Engineer 

Watched a great one last night.  John Sayles' LONE STAR (1996). 

That's a good one. I saw it in the theater back in '96 when I lived in Austin, and just recently saw it again (my Dad's VHS copy of it no less). It was cool seeing the border area we lived in long ago. The writing and acting are both top notch (Kris Kristofferson is one mean son of a bitch ain't he?). I'd also add Clint's A Perfect World to your list of like-minded films.

Last night I caught up with Liam Neeson and The Grey. It's a good film, but just relentlessly bleak. No happy endings here, just a straight-up man vs. nature survival flick. Not something I'd buy, but I liked it. Although, much like Cliffhanger, they kind of glossed over the whole frostbite and hypothermia thing.

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Originally Posted by Moltisanti 

But is it a better display of his comedic chops than THE HAPPENING?

Not only is Marky Mark's performance in Ted probably his best ever, but the movie also features what I think may be his best fight scene.  And it's against that CGI teddy bear.

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Originally Posted by Fat Elvis 

I will say, as much as I've come around on the original, you still can't sell me on the worthiness of PREDATOR 2. I haven't and won't drink that kool-aid!

Damn.  That's where I was gonna go next.  I'll still encourage you to watch it again.  Though I may be in the process of slightly coming around on Predators...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rene (Mr.Eko) 

Since I put that clip of EX2 up, and I saw the movie Klute earlier, I was reminded of kain424's Ultimate Sly Tribute video.

 

Ah, yes.  Those were good times.  I suppose it's a bit early, but I can announce that I am currently working very hard on my Jackie Chan tribute.  And it will be grand and epic.  Likely much more so than even this Sly one or my Arnold one:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister Falcon 

Last night I caught up with Liam Neeson and The Grey. It's a good film, but just relentlessly bleak. No happy endings here, just a straight-up man vs. nature survival flick. Not something I'd buy, but I liked it. Although, much like Cliffhanger, they kind of glossed over the whole frostbite and hypothermia thing.

Loved The Grey.  I think Prometheus, despite its flaws, is still my favorite film of the year.  But The Grey is easily the second.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rene (Mr.Eko) 
Ah, she'll probably just roll her eyes at at me and my smile over having the dvd. Then again we did see Milf together, but that's certainly not like the Emanuelle dvds I've gotten from Netflix's disc service from time to time....

 

Guess Forlani's character couldn't afford the DS which is one of the greatest things ever created in the history of motor vehicles.

I figured there were certain movies that you choose to watch alone without your lady around.

Good call on the DS. If you don't know, that is the car used in Scarface when Tony Montana is in New York City and he has to kill that journalist. I also remember it being used in National Lampoon's European Vacation, which is a movie I need to see again as I have fond memories of it. No, not due to all the topless ladies in a PG-13 movie, although I do laugh at how times have changed since then. Rather, it's because the movie made me laugh when I was young and I still enjoyed it when I saw it last a few years ago.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moltisanti 
Well here's a fine fireplace poker to the abdomen:

 

 

Things like this shouldn't bug me. Yet they do.

I'm trying to remember when there was fire in The Raid: Redemption but I'm coming up with a blank. At least it's an unrated version and I'll be interested in seeing if there's really a difference. Of course that is something I'll be picking up the day it comes out.

Oh there are certainly movies I watch alone, Perfect. The aforementioned Emmanuelle films, and just about all of the rest of the films I watch. Like the one I'm watching now. Brick. Which I'm finding interesting, but it's not grabbing me like it's done with many others. I do like the noir angle and the dialogue. Maybe when the film is over I'll like it a lot more.

That cover art for The Raid isn't that good, but it could certainly be worse. I just can't believe they're going with that "busy" set up rather than the awesome minimalism of the theatrical poster.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fazer 

Mac, I am really looking forward to MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS.  i am with you.  As for Dacascos, I probably should have mentioned that he has been showing up in HAWAII 5-0 as their big bad in episodes for a while now.  He often times has stunt double laden fights with Alex O'Laughlin's stunt double.  Its really disappointing seeing him like this.  H5-0 is actually a pretty entertaining show though!

I will check it out if I ever get the opportunity.  Right now things are so hectic, I don't have time for much viewing at all.  Things are piling up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by felix 

Heard there's a Quantum Leap call back in SOURCE CODE. Haven't seen the film yet though.

If I remember correctly, you hear someone on the other end of a phone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moltisanti 

Well here's a fine fireplace poker to the abdomen:

 

 

 

Things like this shouldn't bug me. Yet they do.

That is some silly looking artwork.  I hope the UK Blu-Ray isn't like that.  They kept the original title so maybe they'll keep the original artwork.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engineer 

Watched a great one last night.  John Sayles' LONE STAR (1996).  Small Town Noir with a real sense of character, it's a genre picture that is enlivened with a real sense of place that features some damn fine performances from Chris Cooper, Joe Morton, Elizabeth Pena, Kris Kristofferson and Clifton James.  It only slightly falters in the last act when it gets down to the who-what-and-why of the central plotline -- but the film is so compelling otherwise it's easy to forgive. I've always been curious about the film, only having just seen it for the first time in preparation for writing my own sort of Small Town Noir screenplay (vacation week starts tomorrow!) and I'm very glad that I did.  John Sayles, man.  That guy can write.  Highly recommended for those who like CITY OF HOPE, TOUCH OF EVIL, ONE FALSE MOVE, FLESH AND BONE and NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN.  And it's viewable, for free and in its entrety, on YouTube.  :)

 

Kristofferson is absolutely chilling. And I love McConaughey's heroic turn. It's Sayles' most accessible film, and my favorite. Nice to see someone else likes CITY OF HOPE, tho (prob Sayles' most ambitious)

When I get back in tonite: DePalma's CARLITO'S WAY

Just saw THE AMAZING SPIDER MAN. Maybe its just me but i liked it. Especially the Garfield and Emma Stone performances.

Plotwise its a rehash of the Origin story. But i wasn't too upset with the execution here. It really wasn't that bad for me.

Another "Rupert Pupkin Speaks" Bad Movies We Love entry -THE ADVENTURES OF FORD FAIRLANE:

"I'll admit that Andrew Dice Clay's schtick is tiresome but for this one movie it shines in loud neon colors for all to see. I love "The Adventures of Ford Fairlane" and all of its crass humor endlessly. It is one of many movies I remember my father taking me to on my request. I also remember him insisting that I stop constantly quoting the movie and doing the Andrew Dice Clay "Ohh!" after everything I said. Outside of fond memories with my pops, 'Ford Fairlane' is an honest to god fun detective comedy in the likes of "Beverly Hills Cop," "Fletch," or "48 Hrs." Sure it is brash and it houses a plethora of crude jokes but it works incredibly well despite the basic plot points (granted you can get past Andrew Dice Clay's schtick). Someone must have thought Renny Harlin did a good job with 'Fairlane' because he went to direct Stallone's "Cliffhanger." Plus Harlin's previous directorial effort with Nightmare on Elm Street 4, gave Harlin an excuse to bring one of my favorite horror icons into a wise cracking detective pulp. 'Ford Fairlane' houses a number of musical tie-ins that easily won me over. I am a huge Prince/Morris Day and the Time fan and having Morris Day along with a Shelia E. added to my continued enthusiasm. Lastly it has one of my favorite lines to quote when I see a super slutty girl in a tiny dress; "You have to shave to go out in a dress like that and I don't mean your legs. Ohhhee!"

And this DEADLY DOLL'S HOUSE blog on THE GREY:

http://deadlydollshouse.blogspot.com/2012/06/live-and-die-on-this-grey.html

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rene (Mr.Eko) 
Oh there are certainly movies I watch alone, Perfect. The aforementioned Emmanuelle films, and just about all of the rest of the films I watch. Like the one I'm watching now. Brick. Which I'm finding interesting, but it's not grabbing me like it's done with many others. I do like the noir angle and the dialogue. Maybe when the film is over I'll like it a lot more.

Well, hopefully you did end up enjoying the film by the time it was over with. Like I've said before it's one out of thousands of movies I still need to see.

Quote:

Originally Posted by felix 
Just saw THE AMAZING SPIDER MAN. Maybe its just me but i liked it. Especially the Garfield and Emma Stone performances.

 

Plotwise its a rehash of the Origin story. But i wasn't too upset with the execution here. It really wasn't that bad for me.

From what I heard, it's not like your opinion is different from the norm so there's no shame in feeling that way.

I am reminded that I need to see Ford Fairlane again. It has to be at least 15 years since the one time I saw it and I really don't remember much from it.

Speaking of movies I need to see, I can cross another one off the list. I decided to cool off my hard-on and watch something else besides a film from a hot actress with nice bazookas. I am not saying this because I am a disgusting pervert; rather, I'm referencing what I watched... Tightrope! Enough people have praised it and I needed to watch the tape I taped it on months ago so that is what I did tonight.

It was quite sleazy but it was also quite good. What a trashy yet entertaining movie. There was no shortage of movies like this from the early to mid 80's, I've come to learn. The dramatic/suspense parts worked but I also laughed at various things, from that New Orleans Saints t-shirt in the beginning to that referee dwarf, to the talk about hard-ons and who the people were that decided to ask about them. The idea of it being like a giallo seems apt.

I also learned from the movie that you are in fact able to appeal to a middle-aged woman if you tell her that you want to hoist some oysters with her then tell her you want to lick the sweat off of her body.

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Originally Posted by The Perfect Weapon 

 

Well, hopefully you did end up enjoying the film by the time it was over with. Like I've said before it's one out of thousands of movies I still need to see.

 

 

From what I heard, it's not like your opinion is different from the norm so there's no shame in feeling that way.

 

I am reminded that I need to see Ford Fairlane again. It has to be at least 15 years since the one time I saw it and I really don't remember much from it.

 

Speaking of movies I need to see, I can cross another one off the list. I decided to cool off my hard-on and watch something else besides a film from a hot actress with nice bazookas. I am not saying this because I am a disgusting pervert; rather, I'm referencing what I watched... Tightrope! Enough people have praised it and I needed to watch the tape I taped it on months ago so that is what I did tonight.

 

It was quite sleazy but it was also quite good. What a trashy yet entertaining movie. There was no shortage of movies like this from the early to mid 80's, I've come to learn. The dramatic/suspense parts worked but I also laughed at various things, from that New Orleans Saints t-shirt in the beginning to that referee dwarf, to the talk about hard-ons and who the people were that decided to ask about them. The idea of it being like a giallo seems apt.

 

I also learned from the movie that you are in fact able to appeal to a middle-aged woman if you tell her that you want to hoist some oysters with her then tell her you want to lick the sweat off of her body.

Really glad you got to see Tightrope, Perfect. It really is a well made film, and it is Clint's Giallo. Plus it must have taken a lot of self control for Clint not to start laughing at that guy on that carousel that's spinning who's wearing a cowboy hat, a black speedo, and cowboy boots while steel drum music is playing, then he gets to the midget referee, sleazy flute music, and the broad with the big bazookas!

Speaking of big bazookas, I saw The Three Stooges movie earlier. Of course Sofia Vergara is in there, and there's several boob jokes including one where CRAIG BIERKO STEPS ON ONE OF HER BOOBS AND IT HONKS. It was a really funny movie, and they captured the essence of the original shorts.

We were supposed to see Cabin In The Woods, but we had just missed the second showing (there was only 3 showings) and the last showing was about 2 and a half hours later, and we needed to get groceries. Hopefully we will be able to see it this weekend if it's still there.

I finished Brick, and I ended up liking it. It's not something I'm going to be promoting, but I didn't think I wasted 3 bucks.

Is The Next Karate Kid any good? Just curious.

Nah, aside from the stellar Cranberries song, I felt it was a miss. It's not up to the heights of absurdity that Karate Kid Part III achieved. Although I'd like to hear your take on it, felix.

Finishing up Vampire's Kiss with Nic Cage. It's a great film about a man's descent into madness and thinking he's become a vampire in order to justify his escalating madness. Hotties Jennifer Beals, Kasi Lemmons, and Maria Conchita Alonso are the main women in his life. Jennifer Beals plays the vampire who may or may not be real (My money is on it being bullshit), Kasi Lemmons is one of his squeezes, and if you've ever wanted to see her lemmons, well you see them. Maria Conchita Alonso plays his terrified secretary that he terrorizes throughout the film.

Check it out for early MEGA ACTING from Cage.

Vampire's Kiss is joyous.

"A! B! C! D E F G! H I J K L M N O P!!! Q R S T U V WXYZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Am I getting THROUGH to youuu.... ALVA?!!"   Love that flick.  :)

Towards the end he's a blubbering mess that talks to himself and pretends a large piece of wood is an erection. Also he imagines he's talking to his psychiatrist while he's well dressed and holding the piece of wood. This movie was great.

Look what I found.  :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rene (Mr.Eko) 
Really glad you got to see Tightrope, Perfect. It really is a well made film, and it is Clint's Giallo. Plus it must have taken a lot of self control for Clint not to start laughing at that guy on that carousel that's spinning who's wearing a cowboy hat, a black speedo, and cowboy boots while steel drum music is playing, then he gets to the midget referee, sleazy flute music, and the broad with the big bazookas!

 

Speaking of big bazookas, I saw The Three Stooges movie earlier. Of course Sofia Vergara is in there, and there's several boob jokes including one where CRAIG BIERKO STEPS ON ONE OF HER BOOBS AND IT HONKS. It was a really funny movie, and they captured the essence of the original shorts.

I finished Brick, and I ended up liking it. It's not something I'm going to be promoting, but I didn't think I wasted 3 bucks.

It turns out, there were several blondes with big bazookas in that film, which was fine by me. Yeah, I am surprised that old Clint was able to be professional while all that strange shit was going down.

That may be a movie I'll check out on DVD once it comes out. I still have reservations about it but as I've dug the Stooges about as long as I can remember, I suppose I have to see it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by felix 
Is The Next Karate Kid any good? Just curious.

I couldn't tell you. I know most people hate it. I am amused it has a random Cranberries song in it (and looking on IMDb, some song from The Knack I hadn't heard of before too) but I don't plan on ever seeing it... even if it has both Michael Ironside and Walton Goggins.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rene (Mr.Eko) 
Finishing up Vampire's Kiss with Nic Cage. It's a great film about a man's descent into madness and thinking he's become a vampire in order to justify his escalating madness. Hotties Jennifer Beals, Kasi Lemmons, and Maria Conchita Alonso are the main women in his life. Jennifer Beals plays the vampire who may or may not be real (My money is on it being bullshit), Kasi Lemmons is one of his squeezes, and if you've ever wanted to see her lemmons, well you see them.

Not to be an R-rated fleed again, but does he squeeze... her Lemmons?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rene (Mr.Eko) 
Towards the end he's a blubbering mess that talks to himself and pretends a large piece of wood is an erection. Also he imagines he's talking to his psychiatrist while he's well dressed and holding the piece of wood. This movie was great.

This sounds like a movie for me! Thankfully, it isn't hard to find online.

Speaking of that, after Monday I'll be done with Netflix for the time being. I enjoyed using it, don't get me wrong, but I'll be busy with various things in July so I won't have the time for it, and has been proven, there are various ways of varying ethical legality to watch a whole variety of films, so I'll save my money for the time being. At least Sunday and Monday I'll try to watch movies I know I won't be able to see anywhere else. After that I'll watch some obscure flicks from familiar faces and I'll enjoy watching them. Plus, Lord knows I have plenty of motion pictures stored in various places in my room to try and go through.

Love how CARLITO'S WAY is a low key flipside to the high octane, over-the-top SCARFACE. Pacino is really great in it. The shootout in the back of the barbershop is a classic DePalma set piece. Movie's not so secret weapon: John Leguizamo

Up next: a movie it's been a few years since I've seen, Scorsese's THE DEPARTED

He doesn't squeeze her.....lemmons, but he puts his face on them, right before a bat flies into his apartment and scares her off, and he tries to shoo it out.

Good to hear you've enjoyed using Netflix, Perfect. As I've said before, I've mainly been using it for its disc service, and every so often I see an Instant movie. In fact, soon I'm going to watch a few I bumped up on my list. I know that I'm basically using it backwards, since most folks use Netflix for Instant, and not for dvds, but there's a lot that isn't on Instant, and most of the good video stores around here have closed down, so this is all I have.

Tightrope is great, and I had forgotten to mention the "jacuzzi" broad who's shown up in other movies, and of course there's some awesome sleazy music that she puts on as she gets in the jacuzzi. Best part is that Poe from Hard Target is her boss.

Watching Wonder Boys right now. I remember the trailers and tv spots, but never got around to seeing it until I found it for 4 bucks this past weekend. Michael Douglas is cool as a frustrated novelist, Tobey Maguire is a weird kid who would be best friends with Wes Bentley's character from American Beauty, and RDJ steals the movie as Douglas' agent who shows up with a tall transvestite named ANTONIA, and says he "Sees himself inside" of Tobey Maguire's character to which Douglas says "I bet you do!"

This is actually a follow up film to a Douglas family double feature as before it I revisited 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea with Kirk Douglas looking ripped as NED LAND. i hadn't seen the movie since I was a kid when my Dad got the vhs tape, and it was a good time. Funny, and the squid is still damn freaky.

METAL HURLANT CHRONICLES debuts at Comics Con 14th July.

5:45-6:45 Metal Hurlant Chronicles— In the lineage of cult series such as The Twillight Zone, The Outer Limits, and Tales from the Crypt, Metal Hurlant Chronicles is the science fiction live-action adaptation of stories from the eponymous world-renowned magazine that gave birth in the U.S. to Heavy Metal. This series world premiere screening will be followed by Q&A session with director Guillaume Lubrano; actors Michael Jai White (The Dark Knight), James Marsters (Buffy),and Darren Shahlavi (Watchmen); fight choreographer Larnell Stovall (Mortal Kombat); and composer Jesper Kyd (Assassins Creed). Room 6DE

The fun thing about THE DEPARTED is it stars my three favorite current generation actors. They all give stellar performances (with a hilarious Wahlberg nearly stealing the movie). You really feel the preassure and paranoia of both DiCaprio and Damon. They're rats, and the world is caving in, with the contrast of how they react being which side they're on, their individual character, and whether it's a matter of life and death or a career suicide. However, as good as they are (and Damon needs to be applauded for coming off of Bourne, being unafraid to go so slimy and wimpy), the dark heart of the film is Jack. It's a fantastic, menacing performance, just like the kind DeNiro used to deliver for Scorsese- and it's a gas seeing Jack play in this gangster sandbox. SPOILER: in a career cinematically dealing with/depicting  violence and violent acts, the sudden death of DiCaprio by gunshot is one of the most shocking gut punches Scorsese has ever delivered. (With it balanced out, by a most delicious comeuppance for Damon's character in the end) Verdict: not the masterpiece that is MEAN STREETS, GOODFELLAS, and CASINO, the movie is still a top shelf genre film (and sucessful remake) from the master.

The Perfect Weapon, I must say a rare...Misfire for so...Perfect...The...Weapon!  When life gives you...LEMMONS, you make...Lemonade!  Obviously, Cagey Nic loves...Maria's...Freshly Squeezed!  

The Russian Trailer for Tom Cruise's JACK REACHER is out.

felix, It is no...REACH...ERr, that I will use some of my...JACK, to see...Tom...Cruise to the top of the box office charts this December!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis 

The fun thing about THE DEPARTED is it stars my three favorite current generation actors. They all give stellar performances (with a hilarious Wahlberg nearly stealing the movie). You really feel the preassure and paranoia of both DiCaprio and Damon. They're rats, and the world is caving in, with the contrast of how they react being which side they're on, their individual character, and whether it's a matter of life and death or a career suicide. However, as good as they are (and Damon needs to be applauded for coming off of Bourne, being unafraid to go so slimy and wimpy), the dark heart of the film is Jack. It's a fantastic, menacing performance, just like the kind DeNiro used to deliver for Scorsese- and it's a gas seeing Jack play in this gangster sandbox. SPOILER: in a career cinematically dealing with/depicting  violence and violent acts, the sudden death of DiCaprio by gunshot is one of the most shocking gut punches Scorsese has ever delivered. (With it balanced out, by a most delicious comeuppance for Damon's character in the end) Verdict: not the masterpiece that is MEAN STREETS, GOODFELLAS, and CASINO, the movie is still a top shelf genre film (and sucessful remake) from the master.

Behind Goodfellas and Taxi Driver, it's Scorsese's best for me. Nonstop quotable dialogue and a top of their game cast. Jumped out of my seat when DiCaprio got shot the first time. Talk about coming out of nowhere.

I watched The Grey last night. It was just as good and just as bleak as you guys said it was. I'm glad I didn't stop the movie before the post-credits scene.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis 

The fun thing about THE DEPARTED is it stars my three favorite current generation actors. They all give stellar performances (with a hilarious Wahlberg nearly stealing the movie). You really feel the preassure and paranoia of both DiCaprio and Damon. They're rats, and the world is caving in, with the contrast of how they react being which side they're on, their individual character, and whether it's a matter of life and death or a career suicide. However, as good as they are (and Damon needs to be applauded for coming off of Bourne, being unafraid to go so slimy and wimpy), the dark heart of the film is Jack. It's a fantastic, menacing performance, just like the kind DeNiro used to deliver for Scorsese- and it's a gas seeing Jack play in this gangster sandbox. SPOILER: in a career cinematically dealing with/depicting  violence and violent acts, the sudden death of DiCaprio by gunshot is one of the most shocking gut punches Scorsese has ever delivered. (With it balanced out, by a most delicious comeuppance for Damon's character in the end) Verdict: not the masterpiece that is MEAN STREETS, GOODFELLAS, and CASINO, the movie is still a top shelf genre film (and sucessful remake) from the master.

So am I to assume that most of you didn't see Infernal Affairs?  Because there were NO surprises if you've seen the original film.  It looks pretty much the same and is almost shot-for-shot (pun intended) the same film.  I think the only surprising thing was Jack Nicholson playing with a dildo in a movie theater.  That wasn't in the original film.

I didn't hate the movie or anything, it's just that when I saw it was up for Best Original Screenplay I was a little ticked.  Been surprised at the level of shock value a near exact remake had for everyone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by felix 

The Russian Trailer for Tom Cruise's JACK REACHER is out.

 

Oh.  For some reason I had the impression the Jack Reacher character was something more like a Western cowboy.  This seems more like Westlake's Parker character... which is interesting because Parker is coming out in a while as well.

Anybody here read some of the Reacher books? Always been a series I've thought I should get into, might as well pick up a "One Shot" paperback. Curious to see how it ends up rating wise. My guess would be PG-13 since Paramount is gonna take no chances in trying to make this a new franchise.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fazer 

I saw A LONELY PLACE TO DIE starring Melissa George last night.

 

Nice little flick.  It starts like a mountain climbing flick with some gorgeous photography and then turns into a nice little thriller.

 

Really well shot and pretty to look at.

Just watched this one. Thoroughly enjoyed it. One of the better thrillers I've seen in a while. Loved the bit of slight of hand they do with the villains early on. Healthy supply of "sudden" deaths that give ya a jolt. Wonder if the director is a SHOOT TO KILL fan?

Recommended.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kain424 

I didn't hate the movie or anything, it's just that when I saw it was up for Best Original Screenplay I was a little ticked.  Been surprised at the level of shock value a near exact remake had for everyone.

 

Actually, "The Departed" won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, for William Monahan.

Though, when they were going up to accept Best Picture, the announcer intoned, "The Departed" is a remake of the JAPANESE film 'Infernal Affairs.'"

Dude. Man. Come on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moltisanti 

Anybody here read some of the Reacher books? Always been a series I've thought I should get into, might as well pick up a "One Shot" paperback. Curious to see how it ends up rating wise. My guess would be PG-13 since Paramount is gonna take no chances in trying to make this a new franchise.

There's probably a better chance it turns out PG-13, but I think there's a chance it could be R.

It's not that expensive (budget is listed at 50 million) and the last movie Christopher McQuarrie wrote and directed was the very R rated Way of the Gun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rene (Mr.Eko) 

I know my non-love of Backdraft is well documented, but it just felt too long, and that's surprising as I liked what I saw of it back in the day as a kid, so you may be onto something there kain. Seeing it in its entirety years later was not a good idea for me. The only thing I love is Hans Zimmers' score in the film.

Really?  Backdraft is one of my favorite movies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milkyway 

Movies that I actually wouldn't mind someone (with talent!) remaking...

They Live (I love it to death, but I think if it was handled right it could be very interesting)

Strike Entertainment and Universal are one step ahead of you.  Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Let Me In) is attached to direct Eight O'Clock In The Morning, which is the name of the short story that They Live was based on.  Who wants to place bets on it being called They Live when it hits theaters though?  Anyway, I think Reeves said they'll be taking a darker, less satirical bent with the story...which could definitely work.  Reeves is doing a new Twilight Zone movie first though, so it will be awhile before it gets going.

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Originally Posted by Fat Elvis 

Love how CARLITO'S WAY is a low key flipside to the high octane, over-the-top SCARFACE. Pacino is really great in it. The shootout in the back of the barbershop is a classic DePalma set piece. Movie's not so secret weapon: John Leguizamo

There seems to be a bit of a backlash going these days for Carlito's Way, which absolutely drives me nuts.  It's one of De Palma's best and a great film.

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Originally Posted by wadew1 

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There's probably a better chance it turns out PG-13, but I think there's a chance it could be R.

It's not that expensive (budget is listed at 50 million) and the last movie Christopher McQuarrie wrote and directed was the very R rated Way of the Gun.

I won't be shocked if it is rated R.  Besides, it'd give Cruise two franchises: a lighter one and one that's harder-edged.

It's also coming out at Christmas, that makes me side that it'll be PG-13. If you look at Paramount's action/adventure franchises they always tend to be PG-13/PG fare. INDIANA JONES, the Tom Clancy films, the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE series. The BEVERLY HILLS COP movies were all R but that was a whole different era. Paramount plays it safe.

Actually I guess you can scratch the Clancy mention since PATRIOT GAMES was R. Still, 3 out 4 weren't R.

Think the last time they tried to launch a series with an R picture they ended up with SHOOTER. I dug it, but I doubt their boardroom did.

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Originally Posted by Rene (Mr.Eko) 
He doesn't squeeze her.....lemmons, but he puts his face on them, right before a bat flies into his apartment and scares her off, and he tries to shoo it out.

 

Good to hear you've enjoyed using Netflix, Perfect. As I've said before, I've mainly been using it for its disc service, and every so often I see an Instant movie. In fact, soon I'm going to watch a few I bumped up on my list. I know that I'm basically using it backwards, since most folks use Netflix for Instant, and not for dvds, but there's a lot that isn't on Instant, and most of the good video stores around here have closed down, so this is all I have.

 

Tightrope is great, and I had forgotten to mention the "jacuzzi" broad who's shown up in other movies, and of course there's some awesome sleazy music that she puts on as she gets in the jacuzzi. Best part is that Poe from Hard Target is her boss.

Nice. Yeah I did enjoy the service; seeing various obscure movies alone was worth it, not to mention finally starting to see some films from a certain starlet.

I do remember the "Jacuzzi broad" being Randi Brooks, as some people around here are big fans of her and enjoy all the movies she gets nude in.

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Originally Posted by duke fleed 
The Perfect Weapon, I must say a rare...Misfire for so...Perfect...The...Weapon!  When life gives you...LEMMONS, you make...Lemonade!  Obviously, Cagey Nic loves...Maria's...Freshly Squeezed!  

I will admit, I am definitely not as "punny" as fleed; my bad.

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Originally Posted by kain424 
So am I to assume that most of you didn't see Infernal Affairs?  Because there were NO surprises if you've seen the original film.  It looks pretty much the same and is almost shot-for-shot (pun intended) the same film.  I think the only surprising thing was Jack Nicholson playing with a dildo in a movie theater.  That wasn't in the original film.

I'll shamefully admit I haven't seen ether film. Someday I will, I swear. I can only imagine what everyone's reaction was when they saw something like old Jack playing with a dildo!

By the way, someone I know just finished watching Rush Hour 3; now, I know what most people think, but I enjoy the first two movies. I am usually not a fan of that creep Brett Ratner and it takes effort to tolerate Chris Tucker, but the first two are entertaining to me. The third one, though... I've only seen it on the big screen once and I did not like it at all. I barely remember anything about it so I might as well give it a second try sometime this week and enjoy the French ladies, if nothing else. I should be able to survive seeing those three in the span of about a week at most.

Yeah I do remember Roman Polanski being in it for Christ knows what reason, looking all Bronson and being a fan of body-cavity searches, which is incredibly creepy more than anything else.

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Originally Posted by felix 

The Russian Trailer for Tom Cruise's JACK REACHER is out.

 

I am not familiar with the Jack Reacher books at all but "TOM CPY3" looks predictably bad ass in the flick.  I also enjoy the fact that the music used in the trailer has HEAVY shades of the MISSION IMPOSSIBLE theme in it.  Almost as if they are trying to trick people into thinking its another Ethan Hunt romp!

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Originally Posted by John Matrix 

I watched The Grey last night. It was just as good and just as bleak as you guys said it was. I'm glad I didn't stop the movie before the post-credits scene.

I just watched it a couple of days ago but didn't realize there was a post-credits scene. Just saw it on YouTube. Interesting. What do you think? 

For those of you with Encore, they are showing Bond movies all during the month of July. Just finished watching The Living Daylights which is a damn fine entry in the series I think. Dalton does a good job as 007, Maryam D'Abo is really easy on the eyes, and there is some jaw-dropping stunt work as well.

Last night I saw Sho Kosugi's Rage of Honor for the first time. Not a bad little actioner. There are some cool fight scenes, although Sho being attacked by the jungle tribe was a bit out of left field.

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Originally Posted by Moltisanti 

It's also coming out at Christmas, that makes me side that it'll be PG-13. If you look at Paramount's action/adventure franchises they always tend to be PG-13/PG fare. INDIANA JONES, the Tom Clancy films, the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE series. The BEVERLY HILLS COP movies were all R but that was a whole different era. Paramount plays it safe.

I don't know. I've never really bought Cruise as a convincing hard ass. His character in the MISSION IMPOSSIBLE films is more like a caricuture.

I'll still see JACK REACHER because of the Lee Child books and Rosamund Pike though.

Originally Posted by Gabe T 

Actually, "The Departed" won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, for William Monahan. Though, when they were going up to accept Best Picture, the announcer intoned, "The Departed" is a remake of the JAPANESE film 'Infernal Affairs.'" Dude. Man. Come on.

Yeah, that was some weak work on the Award show producers' part.  As great as Tony Leung and Andy Lau are in the INFERNAL AFFAIRS TRILOGY. I've always felt the series belonged to Anthony Wong and Eric Tsang; the Al Pacino and Joe Pesci of Hong Kong.  The elder statesmen of HK drama really nailed those films for me.  William Monahan, I'm pretty cool on, as a writer.  Something about the way he presented himself when the accolades began being lavished on THE DEPARTED always bugged me; that and his allusions of his script's pseudo-connections to the Whitey Bulger story and myth.  Almost every average Bostoner (that is, "regular" people who don't follow world cinema) bought the studio marketing rhetoric that the story was "greatly inspired by the Bulger legend" and the studio didn't exactly do much to make sure people knew that the movie was based on the most successful Asian film trilogy of the decade, at least not right away. (In his book, "Brutal," Bulger associate Kevin Weeks even wrote about a meeting he had with Damon prior to shooting so that Damon could research his role as a Boston criminal type, about which Weeks wrote (and I'm paraphrasing), "He didn't use anything I told him, but the movie was okay."   As much as I enjoy THE DEPARTED (and I do, it's fun and it shows off the city fairly well), the character of Frank Costello has about as much to do with Whitey Bulger as ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER does with our sixteenth president.  That said, Jack gives his best and most energetic performance since HOFFA and, as said before, Mark Wahlberg all but steals the film as one of the few characters not taken from the original HK film.

Originally Posted by S.D. Bob Plissken 

There seems to be a bit of a backlash going these days for Carlito's Way, which absolutely drives me nuts.  It's one of De Palma's best and a great film.

Much, much love for CARLITO'S WAY.  SCARFACE might be the louder, flashier experience later embraced by Thug Culture around the country and it has its place in 80's cinematic excess... but for my money CARLITO'S WAY will always be the stronger, smarter, more impressive and far more handsomely performed-and-directed film of the two.  I've seen SCARFACE maybe three times in the last 25 years.  CARLITO'S WAY, I've lost count.  And I can never walk through Grand Central station without hearing that great Patrick Doyle score in my head.  Great stuff.  

Originally Posted by The Perfect Weapon 

I do remember the "Jacuzzi broad" being Randi Brooks, as some people around here are big fans of her and enjoy all the movies she gets nude in.

That would be me.  Randi Brooks, man...  She's happily married with children and hugely successful in real estate.  But man, dare to dream you know?  :)

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Originally Posted by Engineer 

 

 

Much, much love for CARLITO'S WAY.  SCARFACE might be the louder, flashier experience later embraced by Thug Culture around the country and it has its place in 80's cinematic excess... but for my money CARLITO'S WAY will always be the stronger, smarter, more impressive and far more handsomely performed-and-directed film of the two.  I've seen SCARFACE maybe three times in the last 25 years.  CARLITO'S WAY, I've lost count.  And I can never walk through Grand Central station without hearing that great Patrick Doyle score in my head.  Great stuff.  

 

That would be me.  Randi Brooks, man...  She's happily married with children and hugely successful in real estate.  But man, dare to dream you know?  :)

 

I think SCARFACE is the better film. It's one of the quintessential 80's films . A few glaring flaws, the largest being Penelope Ann Miller, drag CARLITO'S down a little for me. With SCARFACE, I think the embracing by Hip-Hop has caused some to (with prejudice) dissmiss the film. It's a pure slice of DePalma cinema, and it's a brilliant parable of the elusive American Dream (As Scorsese said to DePalma upon seeing it"This movie is about us.")

Finally watched Gary Daniels in Recoil last night. I dug Rage more, but it delivered just as much of a punch in the department of explosive action. So many bones broken you'd think PM Entertainment factored an orthopedic surgeon into the budget. The opening scene is like the Golan-Globus version of the bank robbery of Heat and goes on for 20 minutes of wall-to-wall action. Great abrupt ending.

Parents had the Austin/Trejo Recoil on last night too. Any good? Seemed very DTV, but lots of cool bloody action.

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis 
I think SCARFACE is the better film. It's one of the quintessential 80's films . A few glaring flaws, the largest being Penelope Ann Miller, drag CARLITO'S down a little for me. With SCARFACE, I think the embracing by Hip-Hop has caused some to (with prejudice) dissmiss the film. It's a pure slice of DePalma cinema, and it's a brilliant parable of the elusive American Dream (As Scorsese said to DePalma upon seeing it"This movie is about us.")

That's cool.  When I say Thug Culture I don't mean hip-hop (hip-hop being a musical style that I do enjoy, rather than a tough talking, gun-carrying lifestyle choice) but either way, I'm just not into Tony Montana as a legit hero.  I find him loud and obnoxious, though often fairly funny in a lowbrow way (the bathtub argument with his wife scene); that's just my take on the character. I think Carlito's more sympathtic, like what might have happened to Tony Montana if he had lived though the bulletstorm, seen the errors of his ways while in prison and tried to rehabilitate himself.  Carlito's path is more interesting to me - the old-school killer trying to go straight in order to win back his former love.  That's a narrative I can get behind.   And Penelope Ann Miller...  Yeah, I do like her in this.  (And especially in OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY with Danny DeVito.)  Not so much in other movies, though.  It's all in the material.  Couple of things I do like about SCARFACE, though...   The bathroom chainsaw sequence, the great Loggia, Mastrontonio and the Giorgio Moroder-produced soundtrack.  Cool, old-school synth and disco cheese at it's absolute finest.  :)

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Originally Posted by HunterTarantino 

Finally watched Gary Daniels in Recoil last night. I dug Rage more, but it delivered just as much of a punch in the department of explosive action. So many bones broken you'd think PM Entertainment factored an orthopedic surgeon into the budget. The opening scene is like the Golan-Globus version of the bank robbery of Heat and goes on for 20 minutes of wall-to-wall action. Great abrupt ending.

 

Parents had the Austin/Trejo Recoil on last night too. Any good? Seemed very DTV, but lots of cool bloody action.

What did ya think of the limo fight in RECOIL? Completely bonkers.

The Austin RECOIL is nowhere near as good as Daniels'. I'd say it's the best of the Austin DTV efforts I've caught but it still suffers from a real TV-Movie feel which seems to be the case with all of Austin's movies. Trejo does a decent job in it.

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Originally Posted by Fat Elvis 

The fun thing about THE DEPARTED is it stars my three favorite current generation actors. They all give stellar performances (with a hilarious Wahlberg nearly stealing the movie). You really feel the preassure and paranoia of both DiCaprio and Damon. They're rats, and the world is caving in, with the contrast of how they react being which side they're on, their individual character, and whether it's a matter of life and death or a career suicide. However, as good as they are (and Damon needs to be applauded for coming off of Bourne, being unafraid to go so slimy and wimpy), the dark heart of the film is Jack. It's a fantastic, menacing performance, just like the kind DeNiro used to deliver for Scorsese- and it's a gas seeing Jack play in this gangster sandbox. SPOILER: in a career cinematically dealing with/depicting  violence and violent acts, the sudden death of DiCaprio by gunshot is one of the most shocking gut punches Scorsese has ever delivered. (With it balanced out, by a most delicious comeuppance for Damon's character in the end) Verdict: not the masterpiece that is MEAN STREETS, GOODFELLAS, and CASINO, the movie is still a top shelf genre film (and sucessful remake) from the master.

I have to admit as well to being caught by surprise at DiCaprio's death. However Damon's last word was ultimately satisfying to end the film. "Ok." Love the film, and if it's Scorsese's last crime film, then cool, but I still want to see another one before he decides he can't do anymore of them.  Killer soundtrack on the film, and it's certainly reminiscent of his previous gangster epics.

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Originally Posted by Mister Falcon 

 

I just watched it a couple of days ago but didn't realize there was a post-credits scene. Just saw it on YouTube. Interesting. What do you think? 

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

Is Liam alive or dead?

 

For those of you with Encore, they are showing Bond movies all during the month of July. Just finished watching The Living Daylights which is a damn fine entry in the series I think. Dalton does a good job as 007, Maryam D'Abo is really easy on the eyes, and there is some jaw-dropping stunt work as well.

 

Last night I saw Sho Kosugi's Rage of Honor for the first time. Not a bad little actioner. There are some cool fight scenes, although Sho being attacked by the jungle tribe was a bit out of left field.

I'd say Liam's character was fucked either way. No coat, no food. It was literally the last stand. Damn what a depressing ending. Even if we think what we think positively from the post-credits scene.

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Originally Posted by felix 

 

I don't know. I've never really bought Cruise as a convincing hard ass. His character in the MISSION IMPOSSIBLE films is more like a caricuture.

 

I'll still see JACK REACHER because of the Lee Child books and Rosamund Pike though.

I think he pulls it off well, and the last time he played a villain, he was really chilling, so I could see that here where he's not playing a villain, but he does look intimidating. Then again, I've always been a huge fan of the guy.

As far as Carlito's Way and Scarface, I love them both for different reasons. I will add that the ending of Carlito's Way is much more sad, especially given that he wanted to go straight. Damn that Benny Blanco from the Bronx, and damn that Pachanga!

RDJ still wasn't clean when making this.  With Wonder Boys, One Night Stand and US Marshals, it's funny to see how he was still able to deliver good performances.

You need to see him in Nu Image's Danger Zone with Billy Zane, Ron Silver and the legendary Cary Tagawa, to realise he was in the shit.  the guy looked older than he does now and looked messed up.  Luckily Cary Tagawa gave him the help he needed.

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Originally Posted by Rene (Mr.Eko) 

Towards the end he's a blubbering mess that talks to himself and pretends a large piece of wood is an erection. Also he imagines he's talking to his psychiatrist while he's well dressed and holding the piece of wood. This movie was great.

I have a bunch of gaps in my early Cage filmography.  I need to see this.

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Originally Posted by Fat Elvis 

The fun thing about THE DEPARTED is it stars my three favorite current generation actors. They all give stellar performances (with a hilarious Wahlberg nearly stealing the movie). You really feel the preassure and paranoia of both DiCaprio and Damon. They're rats, and the world is caving in, with the contrast of how they react being which side they're on, their individual character, and whether it's a matter of life and death or a career suicide. However, as good as they are (and Damon needs to be applauded for coming off of Bourne, being unafraid to go so slimy and wimpy), the dark heart of the film is Jack. It's a fantastic, menacing performance, just like the kind DeNiro used to deliver for Scorsese- and it's a gas seeing Jack play in this gangster sandbox. SPOILER: in a career cinematically dealing with/depicting  violence and violent acts, the sudden death of DiCaprio by gunshot is one of the most shocking gut punches Scorsese has ever delivered. (With it balanced out, by a most delicious comeuppance for Damon's character in the end) Verdict: not the masterpiece that is MEAN STREETS, GOODFELLAS, and CASINO, the movie is still a top shelf genre film (and sucessful remake) from the master.

What Kain said.  I was more shocked that Damon got it.  I thought they'd keep the original's ending, but as Damon was a lot less sympathetic than Andy Lau's character, I guess they wanted to tie the film up.  I much preferred the original and was surprised that Scorcese wasn't able to improve on it.  The original isn't perfect but it is a tight thriller.

I remember reading an interview with Brian Cox and he was talking about self-serving performances that can ruin a film.  He specifically mentioned Nicholson in The Departed and shit on him for it and also Scorcese for letting him.  I'm inclined to agree. 

Scorcese and Tarantino are the only two film-makers I can think of that currently enjoy 'Diplomatic Immunity', even when they deliver an average or disappointing film.  Spielberg used to have it, he has Diplomatic Leniency right now.  Of course, great film-makers always deliver interesting work, even when it doesn't hit the bullseye.

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Originally Posted by Moltisanti 

Just watched this one. Thoroughly enjoyed it. One of the better thrillers I've seen in a while. Loved the bit of slight of hand they do with the villains early on. Healthy supply of "sudden" deaths that give ya a jolt. Wonder if the director is a SHOOT TO KILL fan?

 

What did you make of the third-act location switch?  I liked it but could've done without the excessive slow-motion used for the psychotic villain.

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Originally Posted by S.D. Bob Plissken 

 

There seems to be a bit of a backlash going these days for Carlito's Way, which absolutely drives me nuts.  It's one of De Palma's best and a great film.

With you all the way on this one.  How I would love to see both Pacino and De Palma return to this form.

De Palma's new film, Passion, is a remake of a french film Love Crime.  I really liked it and will love to see what McAdams/Rapace do in comparison to Sagnier/Scott Thomas.  One things for sure, it'll be interesting to see Rapace play such a repulsive character.  The film was done in a very restrained manner so maybe De Palma will add some stylistic flourishes to his film.

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Originally Posted by Fazer 

I am not familiar with the Jack Reacher books at all but "TOM CPY3" looks predictably bad ass in the flick.  I also enjoy the fact that the music used in the trailer has HEAVY shades of the MISSION IMPOSSIBLE theme in it.  Almost as if they are trying to trick people into thinking its another Ethan Hunt romp!

I'm just going to watch the film without my glasses and pretend Tom Cruise is a 6'4'' Man-Mountain.  

I haven't read the books, but you can imagine what responses a huge man is going to get as he walks the earth.  People are immediately intimidated or threatened and I would think that much of what happens to Jack Reacher over 10+ books is a result of this.   I don't see how Tom Cruise can get that response.  Maybe it'll be his perfect teeth, that'll intimidate people.